One of the best things about raising boys is they are super fun! My boys are very chill and keep me on the go. They are 8 years apart so I have to be intentional about being sure to focus on their individual needs. These are a few things I have learned about raising boys and the things I do to be a better boy mom.
Learn to speak their language
One of the things I have learned raising my boys is that they communicate differently. While I love going in depth with how I feel and my opinions, my sons are much more reserved about theirs. Even when I ask they are concise. Especially the teenager.
I have learned to listen to my boys in a different way though. I’m watching for those moments that they light up with joy about things or prolong certain conversations. That shows me they are interested, open and willing to talk about those topics. Those are the times I listen closest. I have found that in those times I get actual communication. And I get the answers to the things I want, just in a way that works best for them.
Spend quality time with them
I love hanging out with my boys. I feel like the coolest mom on the block when my teenager wants to spend time with me. Me and my boys love to play sports, watch sports and do fun activities together. We’ve gone horseback riding, zip lining, go carting and so much more.
We spend our time together doing things they want to do. I don’t force my ideas on to them. I just want to spend time with them in their happiest moments, not drag them to my ideas of fun.
Learn more about their interest
The goal is the let them know that what they care about is important. And that I want to be a part of what’s interesting and cool to them. Thankfully I love sports so we share that. Then me and my little one could watch Animal Planet and National Geographic together all day. Ultimately I want to learn more about them and the things they care about.
As parents we sometimes plan out kids lives and have this ideas of who we want them to be. I’ve found it more beneficial to introduce things and allow them to lead. If they don’t like it, I don’t push it. I’m always introducing them to new them and like for them to try stuff but if it’s not their thing then we move on.
Snacks, they love snacks
If your boys are anything like mine they like food, especially snacks! My sons have their list ready before I even make the grocery list. My teenager usually has long days with school and practices so he likes to have snacks throughout the day. My favorite thing to do is to pack their favorite snacks in their backpacks for them to find during lunch or after school.
My teenager loves beef jerky and I was recently sent some of the new Chomps beef sticks. He loved them! Now I make sure that I add them to my grocery list so that he can have them on hand. The little one is really into pretzel sticks at the moment so I have to have those too.
This little touch though is just another little way for me to show them I’m listening, I love them and I want to be the best mom I can be for them.
Being a boy mom is the best! Boys often require a different way of communicating but ultimately they are so loving and fun. Being a better boy mom will totally depend on the child but takes listening to your boy and what is best for him.
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